Phil's ZMS Newsletter - November 2009

CC Farm

During September we were busy with further developments to the farm. We completed the construction of two polythene tunnels for improved vegetable growing during the rainy season. Out in the fields there was much preparation work to be done. Holes were dug over five hectares for the maize production.

Then manure and lime needed to be added. Each hectare has 44,000 holes so not an insignificant amount of work and it was all done by hand, and Praise God, completed before the end of October. Now we are ready for the rains. As we know God sends the rain and therefore He sets the time for planting each year’s crops. FGW teaches that we must be ready for that date so that we will be faithful with this precious talent of water that comes from above.

When cleaning out the shed we found an old dish washer brush. So I told Shame (that’s really his name), who looks after the pigs, that after feeding he should clean their teeth! So off he went and attempted to do so but found it difficult so he turned seriously to Bilison and said ‘I think we should start when they are small so they get used to it’! Bilison is still recovering from the pain of laughing-one of our lighter moments!

CC Graduation

This year was the 7^th Graduation at Covenant College which was held on Friday October 2^nd. Eight more students graduated having completed their three years of study at the College. They received either a certificate or diploma in Theology and Pastoral studies. They also received a certificate to show they had been trained in ‘Farming God’s Way’ and other aspects of conservation farming.

The ceremony was as usual accompanied by beautiful singing and dancing from local church choirs and those who came from the graduating students churches.

Old MacDonald’s Farm

Seen below are some of the boys relaxing during our Independence party. However its actually a tense time of the year as many of them are sitting important school exams. One girl Edna is sitting her grade 12 exams. 4 boys are studying to sit their grade 9 exams and 3 boys and Memo sat their grade 7 exams at the end of October. The others have end of term tests so these and exams rate highly when it comes to prayer time in the evening when asked ‘what shall we pray for today’. Two other boys are presently being home schooled and at the same time are proving their worth on the farm. Clifford (left) has taken on looking after the chickens and rabbits and Joseph (right) the 23 pigs in the piggery. Both have taken on these roles with enthusiasm which is encouraging. Along with Tuesday, the farm manager, they were rewarded with new overalls and gum boots. They look pleased in their new ‘uniforms’!

Independence Day

On October 24^th Zambia celebrated its 45^th Anniversary of Independence. We had a roast hog party with everyone at OMF using one of the pigs from the farm. As the boys helped with the six hour cooking process of the whole pig, the salvia dripping from their mouths was equal to the fat dripping from the pig!  It was eaten down to the bone.

Prayer Points

• Pray for the graduating students as they go out to apply what they have learnt.
• Pray for the boys and girls at OMF as they sit important exams.
• Pray for the rains that they will soon come and that it will be a good rain season.

Thank you for your continued support.

Love Phil